Flex Air Dam

tomking · Dec 8, 2009

Paul said:
As stated above the key to good MPGs on the stock 75 FI is using the correct thermostat. As the water temps comes up the FI system leans out. If you are using the wrong thermostat, it will always be rich and milage will suck. The orignial EPA numbers on the factory window sticker was 19 city and 27 highway, IIRC. However, I used to keep a fuel milage log way back when I was in High School and bought my car brand new, and in pure city driving to and from school and work, I used to get 20 -21. On the highway, when the speed limit was 55, I drive at 63 MPH and get 27 -28. Then I bought a "Flex Dam" from Parts and Polish out in Cali and my fuel milage jumped to 29 - 31 depending upon condition of the points and wind direction.

Keeping a fuel milage log was the only way I could make sure the mixture settings were spot on, since my dealership didn't have any of the tuning adaptors shown in the FSM. Eventually, I became the only qualified mechanic in my area for Opels and I had to do all my own mechanic work. Still to this day the only way to keep up with mixture adjustments is to keep a log book and make one at a time and make notes of plug color, MPGs, weather temps, driving conditions etc. Eventually, you'll hit the right combination...

Paul what is the "Flex Dam" ?

Aardvaark (R.I.P.) · Dec 8, 2009

There is a P&P catalog in my album if you curious. See link below..........Salad Man!

Lazy link:
http://www.opelgt.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/13460/ppuser/23031/sl/a

tomking · Dec 8, 2009

Aardvaark said:
There is a P&P catalog in my album if you curious. See link below..........Salad Man!

Lazy link:
IMG_00045 - Opel Photo Gallery

Thanks Mark; that is what I thought he was talking about just wasnt sure. I am amazed it would make that kind of difference!!

dallasmanta · Dec 10, 2009

thanks Mark, I see the creative way to add additional cooling to the radiator. When i first saw the picture I thought it was an oil cooler. Ron

Aardvaark (R.I.P.) · Dec 10, 2009

dallasmanta said:
When i first saw the picture I thought it was an oil cooler. Ron

Everyone thinks that so far. Hee,hee.

It restores the cooling surface area lost to the condenser pretty well.

Aardvaark (R.I.P.) · Dec 10, 2009

I notice OGTS sells a fiberglass front air dam/spoiler as they
list it #15100 for the small and big bumpered Manta's. GT/E type.

It appears to me the P&P and C&D type would be more effective
for gas milerage though. Just saying.....

kwilford · Dec 11, 2009

You guys got SO far

fftopic: that I couldn't even SEE a fuel injection modification (which somehow is where this thread started its life :banghead:

tomking · Dec 11, 2009

Yes but look how artfully and smoothly we did it? :veryhappy
Sorry bout that; really wasnt trying to hijack though

sawdust · Dec 12, 2009

But, it does carry its own weight.

Aardvaark (R.I.P.) · Dec 12, 2009

More then I can say for some people.....:lmao:

opelbits · Dec 12, 2009

Tom-

This is an airdam for a Manta. Fiberglass shell with a flat lip at the bottom to attach the flexible rubber skirt. The skirt is replaceable for wear or damage.

tomking · Dec 12, 2009

Tony it looks like the picture was taken in your driveway. You should probably sell that bit of detritus maximus.
PS: to me.

Rionart · Dec 12, 2009

Or at least make some copies.....:yup:

opelbits · Dec 13, 2009

"Makin' copies...."

Seems like I've heard that somewhere before....

Yeah, that very idea has been discussed and is still on the horizon. I either have to practice my fiberglassing skills or find someone who can do a good job for a decent price.

Paul · Dec 14, 2009

Well either make copies or sell me that one... The fiberglass portion of mine broke a long time ago, but I still have all the rubber and hardware.

opelbits · Dec 15, 2009

Paul-

I don't suppose you still have the broken airdam? Or at least a pic? I'm interested to see just how many different airdams were produced and which ones were the best looking.

I kind of figured there would be some interest in repros of mine, but it will have to wait for better economic times. Hopefully not too long from now.

I'll put you and Tom down as first on the list!

Tom-

Yeah, the pic was in my driveway....you know, Opel parts just layin' everywhere. More of them pop up after a good rain....better than an Indian burial ground, I suppose!

Paul · Dec 15, 2009

opelbits said:
Paul-

I don't suppose you still have the broken airdam? Or at least a pic? I'm interested to see just how many different airdams were produced and which ones were the best looking.

I kind of figured there would be some interest in repros of mine, but it will have to wait for better economic times. Hopefully not too long from now.

I'll put you and Tom down as first on the list!

You are asking an OPEL PACKRAT if he still has the broken part, How silly is that????? Of course I do

. The Fiberglass section is exactly like the one you have pictured. Your's is just missing the 4 inch rubber extension. I had always planned to repair mine and reinstall it..... but ya know how it goes, too many projects and too little time......:banghead:

I do remember one back in the day that I wanted to buy, I think is was made by Kamei?? and I think it bolted to the bottom of the 74-75 front bumper. IIRK, it came almost straight down and had molded in places for fog lights and brake cooling ducts....

Aardvaark (R.I.P.) · Dec 15, 2009

Got me reminiscing....

Remember back when even JC Whitney offered several parts and
accessories for our Opels?
Spoilers, air dams, rear window slants, graphics.
Exhaust, engine and chassis parts specifically for the GT, Manta and
Ascona's. :veryhappy

My how times have changed for parts sources.....:yup:

A couple of examples.....

dallasmanta · Dec 15, 2009

Mark,

it is scary that you still have the old parts listing to scan in and take us down memory lane. Bought a fair bit of stuff from JC in the day for the opel. Ron

Aardvaark (R.I.P.) · Dec 15, 2009

dallasmanta said:
Mark,

it is scary that you still have the old parts listing to scan in and take us down memory lane. Bought a fair bit of stuff from JC in the day for the Opel. Ron

It is scary. If my garage ever catches fire with all that old paper, they better make it a four alarm call.

Flex Air Dam

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